Eyes Tell the Truth: Manny Ramirez Headed Where? The Bronx

While top free agents CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira decided their new team (all went to the Yankees), where has Manny Ramirez been? Not many rumors are surrounding him, and he is bit upset about that. He thinks he can still play and hit over 30 home runs and 100 RBI. But he hasn't signed yet.

Ramirez basically got kicked out of Boston when he was traded to the Dodgers, after which point he played more and better than he was expected. He led the Dodgers into the postseason, staying very hot during the two-month span in L.A., bringing in 50-plus RBI. Manny was also hot in the postseason, hitting .520 with four homers and 10 RBI for the Dodgers, who faced the Cubs and the world champion Phillies.

Ramirez was rumored that the Angels might sign him since they lost Mark Teixeira to free agency. But the Angels announced that they will not pursue the perennial All-Star. What about the Mets? No, because they announced the same thing as the Angels did. Red Sox? No way. Yankees? Might be it.

The Yankees have been interested in Ramirez for a long time. Recently, Yankees captain Derek Jeter said that he has no problem with Manny coming to the Bronx as his teammate. This may mean the Yankees will pursue Manny, even after bringing in three other top free agents.

The Yankees are seriously trying to get the World Series championship ring back to the Bronx. The Yankees have not made it to ALCS in four straight seasons since 2005 and have missed the World Series since 2003. They haven't won the World Series for eight years now. They missed the playoff for the first time in 14 years this past season. The Yankees are clearly on a decline.

But bringing Manny could just cause more problems for the Yankees. Third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Ramirez both have problems on the field, and if the Yankees bring in Manny, then it could be total chaos for the Bronx Bombers.

Manny would love to be on the Yankees roster. He even said that he wants revenge on his former team, the Boston Red Sox, by wearing their rival team's uniform. But general manager Brian Cashman has not said any thing about bringing in Manny just yet.

There is problem that the Yankees will face if they sign Manny, other than the one with A-Rod.

The Yankees have too many outfielders. They already have Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Xavier Nady, Nick Swisher, and Brett Gardner, with Austin Jackson waiting in the minors. Where will Manny play if there are this many outfielders?

The Yankees first has to slim their outfield corps. Trading Matsui or Damon would be very tough with their injury history and high salaries, but if the Yankees pay much of it, I think there will be some takers. But still, not sure Cashman can do this. It will be a very tough task.

If the Yankees bring in Manny to the Bronx, this would increase the chance for the Yankees to win the World Series...at least on paper. Signing him to a long-term contract would be risky for the Yankees, considering Manny's age.

I'd expect myself to be upset if Manny signs with the Yankees, though. And I think many of you will, too. Maybe more people would call for a hard salary cap system to level the playing field.